12-30-2010, 04:41 PM
One advantage for the modeler with Alaska is that the isolation results in rail service to some industries that would have switched to trucks years ago in the "lower 48." I once worked with a couple of mechanics who had previously been owner operators of 18 wheelers. They had seen the high freight rates paid for hauling products up the Alaskan Highway to Anchorage and thought they would try for some of that "gravy." The road was so rough that they blew out 18 tires on one round trip and ended up paying more for tires and repairs than they made on the trip!
Probably most freight to Anchorasge, Fairbanks, and other towns along the Alaska Railway come in by ship to Whittier, Alaska and are transported by train to the final destination.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://alaskarailroad.com/Corporate/FreightServices/RoutesMap/tabid/392/Default.aspx">http://alaskarailroad.com/Corporate/Fre ... fault.aspx</a><!-- m -->
I've pasted a route map from the Alaska Railway website. Notice that the highway does not go to Whittier, and the ships only go to Whittier. That means that virtually all of the freight destined for cities along the Alaska Railway comes in by ship. Some of it may be on trailers that are loaded to piggy back flats to be taken by the railway to the various destinations, but much of it is just as easily loaded on a freight car and delivered to a local industry by the railway.
Probably most freight to Anchorasge, Fairbanks, and other towns along the Alaska Railway come in by ship to Whittier, Alaska and are transported by train to the final destination.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://alaskarailroad.com/Corporate/FreightServices/RoutesMap/tabid/392/Default.aspx">http://alaskarailroad.com/Corporate/Fre ... fault.aspx</a><!-- m -->
I've pasted a route map from the Alaska Railway website. Notice that the highway does not go to Whittier, and the ships only go to Whittier. That means that virtually all of the freight destined for cities along the Alaska Railway comes in by ship. Some of it may be on trailers that are loaded to piggy back flats to be taken by the railway to the various destinations, but much of it is just as easily loaded on a freight car and delivered to a local industry by the railway.